Magma Transport Research Articles

Understanding Degassing and Transport of CO2-rich Alkalic Magmas at Ross Island, Antarctica using Olivine-Hosted Melt Inclusions

Volatiles play an important role in magmatic and volcanic processes. Melt inclusions are a powerful tool to study pre-eruptive volatiles, but interpretation of their H2O and CO2 variations can be difficult. The H2O and CO2 contents of melt inclusions from nine basanites from Hut Point Peninsula, Mt Terror and Mt Bird on Ross Island, Antarctica, were studied to understand better the behavior of volatiles in the magmas and to provide insight into magma transport and storage processes. Ninety olivine-hosted (Fo78–-88) melt inclusions were examined along with the composition of the associated bulk-rock samples. The H2O (0·4–2·0 wt %) and CO2 (0·2–0·9 wt %, or 0·2–1·8 wt % after correction for vapor bubbles) variations in the melt inclusions cannot be explained by equilibrium degassing. A strong correlation between melt inclusion radius and H2O content for Hut Point samples indicates that diffusive loss of H+ has occurred. Based on vapor saturation pressure trends, it is inferred that a magma reservoir existed below Hut Point at a depth of ∼18 km, and by modeling diffusive loss of H+ for melt inclusions, it is shown that the magmas ascended from this depth in less than a year. Melt inclusions from Terror and Bird lack evidence of diffusive loss of H+ and there are no strong chemical indicators of CO2 fluxing. Compositional heterogeneities in melt inclusions indicate that magma mixing occurred, making it difficult to interpret H2O and CO2 trends. Melt inclusions from these volcanoes were entrapped polybarically, inconsistent with entrapment in a single storage region. Published analyses of 54 olivine-hosted (Fo53–83) melt inclusions in seven samples from Erebus volcano on Ross Island were re-examined for comparative purposes. Low H2O (∼0·1 wt %) and CO2 (0–0·2 wt %) contents and the evolved compositions of these indicate that Erebus magmas undergo shallow (<6 km) crystallization before eruption, probably in a shallow storage region. Magmas from the surrounding volcanoes show no sign of shallow storage.

A reverse energy cascade for crustal magma transport

The controls on magma transport in the crust are poorly known. Field analysis and numerical modelling of magmatic intrusions preserved in North America suggest that surface transfer of magma increases in warming crust as the magmatic system ages.

The Ferrar Large Igneous Province: field and geochemical constraints on supra-crustal (high-level) emplacement of the magmatic system

Abstract The Ferrar Large Igneous Province forms a linear outcrop belt for 3250 km across Antarctica, which then diverges into SE Australia and New Zealand. The province comprises numerous sills, a layered mafic intrusion, remnants of extensive lava fields and minor pyroclastic deposits. High-precision zircon geochronology demonstrates a restricted emplacement duration (&lt;0.4 myr) at c. 182.7 Ma, and geochemistry demonstrates marked coherence for most of the Ferrar province. Dyke swarms forming magma feeders have not been recognized, but locally have been inferred geophysically. The emplacement order of the various components of the magmatic system at supra-crustal levels has been inferred to be from the top-down lavas first, followed by progressively deeper emplacement of sills. This order was primarily controlled by magma density, and the emptying of large differentiated magma bodies from depth. An alternative proposal is that the magma transport paths were through sills, with magmas moving upwards to eventually reach the surface to be erupted as extrusive rocks. These two hypotheses are evaluated in terms of field relationships and geochemistry in the five regional areas where both lavas and sills crop out. Either scenario is possible in one or more instances, but neither hypothesis applies on a province-wide basis.

States of stress and slip partitioning in a continental scale strike-slip duplex: Tectonic and magmatic implications by means of finite element modeling

Orogenic belts at oblique convergent subduction margins accommodate deformation in several trench-parallel domains, one of which is the magmatic arc, commonly regarded as taking up the margin-parallel, strike-slip component. However, the stress state and kinematics of volcanic arcs is more complex than usually recognized, involving first- and second-order faults with distinctive slip senses and mutual interaction. These are usually organized into regional scale strike-slip duplexes, associated with both long-term and short-term heterogeneous deformation and magmatic activity. This is the case of the 1100 km-long Liquiñe–Ofqui Fault System in the Southern Andes, made up of two overlapping margin-parallel master faults joined by several NE-striking second-order faults. We present a finite element model addressing the nature and spatial distribution of stress across and along the volcanic arc in the Southern Andes to understand slip partitioning and the connection between tectonics and magmatism, particularly during the interseismic phase of the subduction earthquake cycle. We correlate the dynamics of the strike-slip duplex with geological, seismic and magma transport evidence documented by previous work, showing consistency between the model and the inferred fault system behavior. Our results show that maximum principal stress orientations are heterogeneously distributed within the continental margin, ranging from 15° to 25° counter-clockwise (with respect to the convergence vector) in the master faults and 10–19° clockwise in the forearc and backarc domains. We calculate the stress tensor ellipticity, indicating simple shearing in the eastern master fault and transpressional stress in the western master fault. Subsidiary faults undergo transtensional-to-extensional stress states. The eastern master fault displays slip rates of 5 to 10 mm/yr, whereas the western and subsidiary faults show slips rates of 1 to 5 mm/yr. Our results endorse that favorably oriented subsidiary faults serve as magma pathways, particularly where they are close to the intersection with a master fault. Also, the slip of a fault segment is enhanced when an adjacent fault kinematics is superimposed on the regional tectonic loading. Hence, finite element models help to understand coupled tectonics and volcanic processes, demonstrating that geological and geophysical observations can be accounted for by a small number of key first order boundary conditions.

Exploring the explosive‐effusive transition using permanent ultraviolet cameras

AbstractUnderstanding the mechanisms that cause effusive eruptions is the key to mitigating their associated hazard. Here we combine results from permanent ultraviolet (UV) cameras, and from other geophysical observations (seismic very long period, thermal, and infrasonic activity), to characterize volcanic SO2 flux regime in the period prior, during, and after Stromboli's August–November 2014 effusive eruption. We show that, in the 2 months prior to effusion onset, the SO2 flux levels are 2 times average level. We explain this anomalously high SO2 regime as primarily determined by venting of rapidly rising, pressurized SO2‐rich gas pockets produced by strombolian explosions being more frequent and intense than usual. We develop a procedure to track (and count), in the UV camera record, the SO2 flux pulses produced by individual explosions and puffing activity (active degassing). We find that these SO2 pulses are far more numerous (67 ± 47 events per hour) before the effusion onset than during normal activity (20 ± 15 events per hour). This observation, combined with geophysical evidence, demonstrates an elevated gas bubble supply to the shallow conduits, causing elevated explosive and puffing activity. This increase (≥0.1 m3 s−1) in magma transport rate in the north‐east feeding conduits finally triggers effusion onset. Active degassing remains elevated also during the effusive phase, supporting the persistence of explosive and puffing activity during the effusive eruption, deep in the volcanic conduit. Our results demonstrate that permanent UV cameras can valuably contribute to monitoring at high‐sampling frequency gas dynamics and fluxes, thus opening the way to direct comparison with more established geophysical observations.

Effect of oxygen fugacity on the glass transition, viscosity and structure of silica- and iron-rich magmatic melts

Iron oxidation state affects the physical properties and structure of natural melts and, ultimately, magmatic and volcanic processes such as magma transport and eruptive style. Here, we study the glass transition temperature and melt viscosity of an iron-rich peralkaline rhyolite as a function of the iron oxidation state. Glass transition temperature is determined using a differential scanning calorimetry up to 680°C. High-temperature viscosity is measured at 1385°C using the concentric cylinder technique. Both the glass transition temperature and viscosity increase with oxygen fugacity conditions. Although significant changes in structure with temperature are expected, we observe a direct relationship between the effect of oxygen fugacity on bulk properties at high and low temperature and polymerization of glass structure as inferred by Raman spectroscopy. Our results show that viscosity models should consider the effect of oxygen fugacity on the melt viscosity at eruptive temperature together with the effect of water and crystal content.

Structural interpretation of El Hierro (Canary Islands) rifts system from gravity inversion modelling

Recent volcanism in El Hierro Island is mostly concentrated along three elongated and narrow zones which converge at the center of the island. These zones with extensive volcanism have been identified as rift zones. The presence of similar structures is common in many volcanic oceanic islands, so understanding their origin, dynamics and structure is important to conduct hazard assessment in such environments. There is still not consensus on the origin of the El Hierro rift zones, having been associated with mantle uplift or interpreted as resulting from gravitational spreading and flank instability. To further understand the internal structure and origin of the El Hierro rift systems, starting from the previous gravity studies, we developed a new 3D gravity inversion model for its shallower layers, gathering a detailed picture of this part of the island, which has permitted a new interpretation about these rifts. Previous models already identified a main central magma accumulation zone and several shallower high density bodies. The new model allows a better resolution of the pathways that connect both levels and the surface. Our results do not point to any correspondence between the upper parts of these pathways and the rift identified at the surface. Non-clear evidence of progression toward deeper parts into the volcanic system is shown, so we interpret them as very shallow structures, probably originated by local extensional stresses derived from gravitational loading and flank instability, which are used to facilitate the lateral transport of magma when it arrives close to the surface.

Seismo-acoustic wavefield of strombolian explosions at Yasur volcano, Vanuatu, using a broadband seismo-acoustic network, infrasound arrays, and infrasonic sensors on tethered balloons

Seismo-acoustic wavefields at volcanoes contain rich information on shallow magma transport and subaerial eruption processes and inform our understanding of how volcanoes work. Acoustic wavefields from eruptions are predicted to be directional, but sampling this wavefield directivity is challenging because infrasound sensors are usually deployed on the ground surface. We attempt to overcome this observational limitation using a novel deployment of infrasound sensors on tethered balloons in tandem with a suite of dense ground-based seismo-acoustic, geochemical, and eruption imaging instrumentation. We conducted a collaborative multiparametric field experiment at the active Yasur volcano, Tanna Island, Vanuatu, from 26 July to 2 August 2016. Our observations include data from a temporary network of 11 broadband seismometers, 6 single infrasonic microphones, 7 small-aperture 3-element infrasound arrays, 2 infrasound sensor packages on tethered balloons, an FTIR, a FLIR, 2 scanning Flyspecs, and various visual imaging data; scoria and ash samples were collected for petrological analyses. This unprecedented dataset should provide a unique window into processes operating in the shallow magma plumbing system and their relation to subaerial eruption dynamics.

Like a cannonball: origin of dense spherical basaltic ejecta

Cannonballs are rare spherical to sub-spherical eruptive products associated with basaltic explosive activity. The origin of cannonballs is still debated and subjected to a wide spectrum of different interpretations. In order to better understand the physicochemical mechanisms controlling the formation of these explosive products, we investigated the textural and chemical features of cannonballs from the Cerro Chopo monogenetic volcano (Costa Rica). These explosive products ubiquitously show a core domain with coalesced bubbles (30–36% porosity) wrapped in a dense rim domain with small, isolated bubbles (20–27% porosity). Both domains are identical in terms of bulk rock composition and mineral chemistry and are portions of the same magma batch. Results from combined petrological and thermodynamic modeling indicate that a low-viscosity (~20 Pa s) melt containing early-formed olivine phenocrysts (~9 vol.%) ascended from storage at a decompression rate of 0.5 MPa s−1 until it reached a depth of 4.5 km (equivalent to a pressure of ~150 MPa). While rising from depth to 4.5 km, the melt underwent rapid decompression (0.5–2.6 MPa s−1) and H2O exsolution, driving late-stage crystallization of the groundmass. The fast ascent velocity (21–110 m s−1) while rising between 4.5 km and the surface induced turbulent (Re >103), annular flow development in the uppermost region of the conduit. We propose that cannonballs represent blebs of fluid magmas that underwent shear-driven detachment from the annulus of magma lining the conduit walls at depths lower than 4.5 km. The formation of such cannonballs is dictated by magma transport dynamics of low-viscosity, phenocryst-poor, and volatile-rich melts that rapidly accelerate within the shallow conduit.

Igneous sills as a record of horizontal shortening: The San Rafael subvolcanic field, Utah

Igneous sills can facilitate significant lateral magma transport in the crust; therefore, it is important to constrain controls on their formation and propagation. Close spatial association between sills and dikes in layered (sedimentary) host rocks has led to a number of sill emplacement mechanisms that involve stress rotation related to layering; from horizontal extension and dike emplacement, to horizontal compression and sill emplacement. Here, we used field observations in the San Rafael subvolcanic field (Utah, USA), on the Colorado Plateau, supported by mechanical modeling, to show that layering is not the dominant control in all cases of sill formation. We found no compelling evidence of large sills fed by dikes; all observed cases showed that either dikes cut sills, or vice versa. Local sill contacts activate and follow host layer interfaces, but regionally, sills cut the stratigraphy at a low angle. The sills cut and are cut by reverse faults (1−3 m displacement) and related fractures that accommodate horizontal shortening. Minor sill networks resemble extension vein meshes and indicate that horizontal and inclined geometries were formed during coaxial horizontal shortening and vertical thickening. Although sills elsewhere may be related to mechanical layering during tectonic quiescence, our mechanical models show that the observed San Rafael subvolcanic field geometries are favored in the upper crust during mild horizontal shortening. We propose that sill geometry provides an indication of regional stress states during emplacement, and not all sill geometry is a response to bedding. Constraining sill geometry may therefore present a useful tool in plate-tectonic studies.

Phase field model of fluid‐driven fracture in elastic media: Immersed‐fracture formulation and validation with analytical solutions

AbstractPropagation of fluid‐driven fractures plays an important role in natural and engineering processes, including transport of magma in the lithosphere, geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide, and oil and gas recovery from low‐permeability formations, among many others. The simulation of fracture propagation poses a computational challenge as a result of the complex physics of fracture and the need to capture disparate length scales. Phase field models represent fractures as a diffuse interface and enjoy the advantage that fracture nucleation, propagation, branching, or twisting can be simulated without ad hoc computational strategies like remeshing or local enrichment of the solution space. Here we propose a new quasi‐static phase field formulation for modeling fluid‐driven fracturing in elastic media at small strains. The approach fully couples the fluid flow in the fracture (described via the Reynolds lubrication approximation) and the deformation of the surrounding medium. The flow is solved on a lower dimensionality mesh immersed in the elastic medium. This approach leads to accurate coupling of both physics. We assessed the performance of the model extensively by comparing results for the evolution of fracture length, aperture, and fracture fluid pressure against analytical solutions under different fracture propagation regimes. The excellent performance of the numerical model in all regimes builds confidence in the applicability of phase field approaches to simulate fluid‐driven fracture.

Large‐volume lateral magma transport from the Mull volcano: An insight to magma chamber processes

AbstractLong‐distance lateral magma transport within the crust has been inferred for various magmatic systems including oceanic island volcanoes, mid‐oceanic ridges, and large igneous provinces. However, studying the physical and chemical properties of active fissure systems is difficult. Hence, this study investigates the movement of magma away from the Mull volcano in the North Atlantic Igneous Province, where erosion has exposed its upper crustal dike networks. Magmatic lineations within dikes indicate that the magma flow in the Mull dike suite changed from near vertical to horizontal within 30 km of the volcanic center. This implies that distal dikes were fed by lateral magma transport from Mull. Geochemical characteristics indicate that many &lt;50 km long dikes have deep crustal signatures, reflecting storage and assimilation in Lewisian basement. Following crystallization and assimilation in the lower crust, magma fed an upper crustal reservoir, where further fractionation and incorporation of Moinian rocks generated felsic compositions. Distal dikes are andesitic and reflect events in which large volumes of mafic and felsic magma were combined by mixing between lower and upper crustal reservoirs to generate the 30–80 km3 required to supply the long‐distance dikes. Once propagated, compositions along dikes were not significantly affected by assimilation and crystallization. Supplying the distal dikes with magma would have required a large‐scale evacuation of the crustal reservoirs that acted as a potential trigger for explosive volcanism and the caldera formation recorded in Mull central complex.

Crystallization history of enriched shergottites from Fe and Mg isotope fractionation in olivine megacrysts

Martian meteorites are the only samples available from the surface of Mars. Among them, olivine-phyric shergottites are basalts containing large zoned olivine crystals with highly magnesian cores (Fo 70–85) and rims richer in Fe (Fo 45–60). The Northwest Africa 1068 meteorite is one of the most primitive “enriched” shergottites (high initial 87Sr/86Sr and low initial ε143Nd). It contains olivine crystals as magnesian as Fo 77 and is a major source of information to constrain the composition of the parental melt, the composition and depth of the mantle source, and the cooling and crystallization history of one of the younger magmatic events on Mars (∼180Ma). In this study, Fe-Mg isotope profiles analyzed in situ by femtosecond-laser ablation MC-ICP-MS are combined with compositional profiles of major and trace elements in olivine megacrysts. The cores of olivine megacrysts are enriched in light Fe isotopes (δ56FeIRMM-14=−0.6 to −0.9‰) and heavy Mg isotopes (δ26MgDSM-3=0–0.2‰) relative to megacryst rims and to the bulk martian isotopic composition (δ56Fe=0±0.05‰, δ26Mg=−0.27±0.04‰). The flat forsterite profiles of megacryst cores associated with anti-correlated fractionation of Fe-Mg isotopes indicate that these elements have been rehomogenized by diffusion at high temperature. We present a 1-D model of simultaneous diffusion and crystal growth that reproduces the observed element and isotope profiles. The simulation results suggest that the cooling rate during megacryst core crystallization was slow (43±21°C/year), and consistent with pooling in a deep crustal magma chamber. The megacryst rims then crystallized 1–2 orders of magnitude faster during magma transport toward the shallower site of final emplacement. Megacryst cores had a forsterite content 3.2±1.5mol% higher than their current composition and some were in equilibrium with the whole-rock composition of NWA 1068 (Fo 80±1.5). NWA 1068 composition is thus close to a primary melt (i.e. in equilibrium with the mantle) from which other enriched shergottites derived.

Metasomatic Reaction Phenomena from Entrainment to Surface Cooling: Evidence from Mantle Peridotite Xenoliths from Bulgaria

We present a detailed study of the mineralogical and chemical modifications of peridotite xenoliths during magma transport and cooling at the Earth’s surface. The xenoliths are entrained in three small-volume (<1 km3), monogenetic, Miocene–Oligocene, basanite domes in the Moesian Platform, north Bulgaria, arranged along a NNE-directed right-lateral strike-slip fault. The domes show symmetrically decreasing volumes of erupted magma correlated with the size and quantity of the entrained xenoliths, according to their position along the fault. The xenoliths exhibit different degrees of mineralogical and chemical interaction with their host rocks, with the extent of interaction strongly depending on their position in the dome. Xenoliths from the fine-grained brecciated carapaces of the domes show very thin, fine-grained, reaction rims around orthopyroxene and spinel, and thin diffusion zones around olivine, limited mostly to the rims of the xenoliths. Clinopyroxene shows almost no visible reaction and is always strongly depleted in light rare earth elements (LREE) and Sr. Melt pockets in the xenoliths are small, composed mostly of fine-grained olivine and clinopyroxene. Modelling of Fe–Mg zoning in olivine suggests a very short residence time of a few days in the magma during transport and fast cooling at the Earth’s surface. In contrast, xenoliths from the interior of the domes, hosted in holocrystalline groundmass, are much more strongly affected by the host basanite magma. Their constituent minerals have wider reaction rims around orthopyroxene, sometimes leading to its entire consumption, and show transformation of spinel into chromite. Fe–Mg diffusion profiles in olivine are up to 400 μm wide and calculations indicate diffusion times up to 200 days, recording protracted cooling in the inner part of the dome. Melt pockets are much larger and coarser-grained, composed of minerals identical to the host groundmass. With few exceptions, clinopyroxene is sieve-textured and shows variable enrichment in LREE and Sr, ranging from several times higher than in the depleted xenoliths to complete equilibration with the host basanite. Strongly veined xenoliths show stronger chemical modifications, facilitated by infiltrated melt, which also progressively increase depending on the position of the xenoliths in the dome. The most enriched xenoliths from the core of the dome exhibit large inter- and intra-grain variations in Sr and LREE. Our study demonstrates that chemical and mineral modifications, although starting at the time of entrainment of the xenoliths at mantle depths, were completed mostly during their residence in the magma at the surface. The reaction phenomena are the result of post-entrainment partial melting, and reactions between xenolith minerals and infiltrated fluids and melts from the host basalts. The large inter- and intra-crystal chemical variations in a single xenolith suggest that reactions strongly depend on the access of fluids and melts (permeability) in different parts of the xenoliths. The results of this study allow us to introduce the term ‘host basalt metasomatism’ for those mantle xenoliths that have undergone chemical alteration at or near the surface during cooling of the host magma. Comparison with xenoliths stored in large-scale magmatic systems under La Palma (Canary Islands) shows that, although the products of interaction between xenoliths and host rocks are similar, there are considerable differences in the mechanism of entrainment, depth and longevity of the reactions between small-volume and large-scale magmatic systems.

P.4.016 - Drunk bugs: chronic vapour alcohol exposure induces marked changes in the gut microbiome in mice

The study of volcanic and igneous plumbing system is a scientific discipline that builds on multi-disciplinary research on magma movement, evolution, and storage from the fields of volcanology, igneous petrology and geochemistry, geophysics and volcano geodesy. As outlined in the chapters of this book, research has revealed a complex picture of the processes that occur within the plumbing system. However, much work remains to be done, and this chapter discusses a number of challenges in future volcanic and igneous plumbing systems research based on recurring questions in the previous chapters. These challenges or directions include the link between nature and models, the time scales of magma transport, storage and eruption, the interplay between the rheology of magma and its host rock, as well as the relationship between magma plumbing and stress fields at different scales.

B2-17 マグマ供給系モデルと階段モデルの体系化にむけた試み(マグマ供給系,口頭発表)

B2-17 マグマ供給系モデルと階段モデルの体系化にむけた試み(マグマ供給系,口頭発表)

Dynamic Magma Systems: Implications for Forecasting Volcanic Activity

Magma systems that supply volcanoes can extend throughout the crust and consist of mush (melt within a crystalline framework) together with ephemeral magma accumulations. Within a crystal-rich mush, slow processes of melt segregation and heat loss alternate with fast processes of destablisation and magma transport. Magma chambers form by two mechanisms: incremental magma intrusion into sub-solidus rocks or the segregation and rapid merging of melt-rich layers within mush regions. Three volcanic states reflect alternations of slow and fast processes: dormancy, unrest and eruption. Monitoring needs to detect processes of melt and fluid movements in the lower and middle crust during destabilisation to improve forecasting.

Silicic magma differentiation in ascent conduits. Experimental constraints

Crystallization of water-bearing silicic magmas in a dynamic thermal boundary layer is reproduced experimentally by using the intrinsic thermal gradient of piston-cylinder assemblies. The standard AGV2 andesite under water-undersaturated conditions is set to crystallize in a dynamic thermal gradient of about 35°C/mm in 10mm length capsules. In the hotter area of the capsule, the temperature is initially set at 1200°C and decreases by programmed cooling at two distinct rates of 0.6 and 9.6°C/h. Experiments are conducted in horizontally arranged assemblies in a piston cylinder apparatus to avoid any effect of gravity settling and compaction of crystals in long duration runs. The results are conclusive about the effect of water-rich fluids that are expelled out the crystal-rich zone (mush), where water saturation is reached by second boiling in the interstitial liquid. Expelled fluids migrate to the magma ahead of the solidification front contributing to a progressive enrichment in the fluxed components SiO2, K2O and H2O. The composition of water-rich fluids is modelled by mass balance using the chemical composition of glasses (quenched melt). The results are the basis for a model of granite magma differentiation in thermally-zoned conduits with application of in-situ crystallization equations. The intriguing textural and compositional features of the typical autoliths, accompanying granodiorite–tonalite batholiths, can be explained following the results of this study, by critical phenomena leading to splitting of an initially homogeneous magma into two magma systems with sharp boundaries. Magma splitting in thermal boundary layers, formed at the margins of ascent conduits, may operate for several km distances during magma transport from deep sources at the lower crust or upper mantle. Accordingly, conduits may work as chromatographic columns contributing to increase the silica content of ascending magmas and, at the same time, leave behind residual mushes that eventually are dragged as enclaves or autoliths.

Effect of host-rock rheology on dyke shape, thickness and magma overpressure

The size and thickness of dykes is of fundamental importance for volcano dynamics because dykes are the primary path for magma transport, and because large numbers of dykes often comprise a major proportion of the volcanic edifice and of the underlying crust. Standard elastic models predict dyke geometry to be elliptic in cross-section for constant overpressure and uniform host-rock properties, whereas observations show that dyke thickness is typically more nearly constant with a sharp taper at the ends. Moreover, the predicted overpressures required to inflate dykes in a purely elastic medium are often significantly higher (>150 MPa and up to 2 GPa) than those estimated by other means (about 1–50 MPa). In this study, we use 2-D finite element models to test whether other host-rock rheologies lead to more realistic dyke shapes and overpressures. We examine three different rheologies, each of which is affected by the presence of the dyke itself: (1) elasticity with reduced moduli in regions of low pressure or tension; (2) elastoplasticity with plastic failure in the high-stress regions surrounding the dyke tips; (3) viscoelasticity with a viscosity decrease due to heating by the dyke. We use rheological parameters obtained from laboratory experiments whenever possible, and assume static conditions for the final dyke shape. We find that all three rheologies tend to make the dyke more rectangular relative to the elliptical dykes of the linearly elastic models. The change in shape is due to enhanced deformation in the high-stress zone surrounding the dyke tip. We also find that the overpressure required to inflate an initially thin dyke to a given thickness is reduced for all three rheologies. The greatest decrease in overpressure by a factor of about 0.1 is observed for the elastoplastic model, and for the viscoelastic model if the dyke intrudes into moderately pre-heated host-rock. We discuss our results with respect to dyke observations from Rum Island (Scotland) and use these as a guide to evaluate our models.

An isotopic perspective on growth and differentiation of Proterozoic orogenic crust: From subduction magmatism to cratonization

The in situ chemical differentiation of continental crust ultimately leads to the long-term stability of the continents. This process, more commonly known as ‘cratonization’, is driven by deep crustal melting with the transfer of those melts to shallower regions resulting in a strongly chemically stratified crust, with a refractory, dehydrated lower portion overlain by a complementary enriched upper portion. Since the lower to mid portions of continental crust are rarely exposed, investigation of the cratonization process must be through indirect methods. In this study we use in situ Hf and O isotope compositions of both magmatic and inherited zircons from several felsic magmatic suites in the Capricorn Orogen of Western Australia to highlight the differentiation history (i.e. cratonization) of this portion of late Archean to Proterozoic orogenic crust. The Capricorn Orogen shows a distinct tectonomagmatic history that evolves from an active continental margin through to intracratonic reworking, ultimately leading to thermally stable crust that responds similarly to the bounding Archean Pilbara and Yilgarn Cratons. The majority of magmatic zircons from the main magmatic cycles have Hf isotopic compositions that are generally more evolved than CHUR, forming vertical arrays that extend to moderately radiogenic compositions. Complimentary O isotope data, also show a significant variation in composition. However, combined, these data define not only the source components from which the magmas were derived, but also a range of physio-chemical processes that operated during magma transport and emplacement. These data also identify a previously unknown crustal reservoir in the Capricorn Orogen.